Horses and People (90/01/01)
Happy New Year! In Oriental tradition, every year is associated with one of twelve animals and this year is the year of the horse. There are different kinds of horses which are used for different purposes. Some horses are prized for their beauty. Some are valued for their speed. Others are esteemed because they are strong and can pull heavy loads. According to a couple of Japanese proverbs, however, horse ears are not sensitive either to sacred words or to an east wind. Like horses, people also have different gifts or abilities, all of which can be used for some good purpose. Beautiful people, fast workers along with faithful, steady plodders all have important contributions to make. But this year, let us keep our ears, minds and hearts open to the voice of God who, in various ways, constantly seeks to guide us into the way of truth and happiness. (3144)
Mochi,Toso (90/01/02)
Are you enjoying typical New Year's food and eating a lot of omochi? It is said that Japanese people have been eating omochi on special occasions since the Nara era in the 8th century, but it is not certain whether it is a native Japanese custom or one imported from China. Do you think that eating a lot of mochi will make your life a mochi no ii one that is to say, long-lasting? This second day of the New Year is the day for kakizome, the first calligraphy writing of the year. "Calligraphy" comes from two Greek words meaning "beautiful writing". Will you do, or have you done, some "beautiful writing" today? A couple of significant Chinese characters you might practice writing are the two that make up the word toso, the special spiced sake that is drunk at the New Year season to insure a long and healthy life. Literally, these two characters mean slaughter and resurrection. They may refer to the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one or to the killing of evil and reviving the drinker. For the Christian, however, they are a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ and the need for his followers to follow his example. For, in order to gain new life, true life, we must put to death our self-centered nature. Good-bye. Have a pleasant dream tonight. (124a)
Resolutions (90/01/03)
A resolution may signify a formal statement of some kind adopted by an assembly or it may mean a firm determination on the part of an individual to carry out his or her intention. Some people make New Year's resolutions at this time of year. Such resolutions are often promises to reform oneself in some way, but frequently the resolve does not last long. Rather, the result brings to mind the Japanese saying regarding a "3-day priest". A mikka-bozu is a person who does not follow through on his or her resolve. Today is the third day of the New Year. If you made a resolution for this year, I hope you can keep it longer than three days. If you resolve to listen to this "Daily Word" telephone message everyday throughout the year, I'm sure your understanding of spoken English will improve and I hope that your knowledge of the world and your understanding of Truth will be deepened also. You may receive a written copy of my spoken messages by sending your request to "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. In Galatians 6:9, it is written: "if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest." I pray that you will have an abundant harvest this year. (1415a)
Myanmar (90/01/04)
Today is the national holiday of an Asian country on the Indochinese peninsula. In shape, the country has a long, thin section resembling a tail. Its flag has three colors: red, white and blue. Actually, there are two countries which fit my description thus far, but the flag of the country celebrating its independence day today has a blue rectangle on a red field. In the rectangle is a gear wheel and rice encircled by 14 white stars. Previously, this country was known as Burma and it was a British colony. During the war it was occupied by Japanese troops. On January 4, 1948, 41 years ago today, Burma became an independent nation and on this same day in 1974, a new Constitution took effect which made it a Socialist Democratic Republic. The language spoken in that country is called Burmese and this is also the name of a certain kind of cat. Burmese cats are small and muscular with brown fur and orange eyes. In June of last year, the name of this country was changed to Myanmar, but I presume that the name of the cat breed will remain the same. (3145)
Twelfth Night (90/01/05)
Tomorrow, the twelfth day after Christmas, is a Christian feast called Epiphany. The night before that day, Epiphany Eve, is also called Twelfth Night and, in England, it is a time of merrymaking, celebrating the end of the Christmas season. The famous play of Shakespeare, entitled Twelfth Night, was specifically written for this celebration. This play is a comedy that combines mirth and satire with a poetical romance. In the story, a brother and sister, who are twins, were shipwrecked. Viola, dressed like her brother, becomes a page to the duke Orsino. The duke was in love with Olivia, but because she was cool toward him, he sent Viola to help his cause. However, Olivia fell in love with the beautiful page. Then, Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, was attacked in a street brawl before Olivia, who thought he was the page and invited him into her house. In the end, Olivia married Sebastian and the duke married Viola. This humorous plot was not original with Shakespeare. There were older, similar stories which probably provided this master dramatist with the outline. One memorable line in a speech of Olivia is the following: "Love sought is good, but given unsought is better." (3146)
Nishi Kara Kita Hakase (90/01/06)
This twelfth day after Christmas is known as Epiphany in the church calendar. "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word for manifestation and signifies the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles in particular. On this day, the coming of the priestly-kings, called Magi, to worship the newborn King, as recorded in the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, is commemorated. These stargazers had seen a new star and came to Bethlehem, where they found the baby Jesus and presented him with gifts. In regard to this story, I am reminded of an experience I had on Christmas Eve many years ago. I was driving back to Nagoya from our church in the city of Kariya. A few blocks from the church, my car was stopped by a couple of policemen who, I presume, were checking on the sobriety of drivers as the yearend was approaching. When they realized that I was a foreigner, they asked me where I was from. Having just left the Christmas Eve service where I had spoken about those Wise Men from the east who, in Japanese, are called higashi kara kita hakasetachi I replied nishi kara kita hakase desu. The passengers in the car were amused, but the policemen were confused. Thankfully, after I offered a more understandable explanation of my identity, they did not arrest me for drunkenness. (3147)
Firm Foundation (90/01/07)
A wadi, spelled w-a-d-i is a gully, channel or riverbed that is usually dry but which becomes a stream or river after a rain or during the rainy season in particular. A wise man would not build a house upon the sand of a wadi. Only a foolish man would do so, for such a house would be swept away with the rushing water, wind and rain during stormy weather. According to the parable of Jesus at the end of his Sermon on the Mount, recorded at the end of the 7th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, those who hear Jesus' words and obey them are compared to a wise man who built his house upon the firm foundation of solid rock. But those who hear Jesus' words and do not obey them are compared to the foolish man who built his house upon sand. The most important part of a house is its foundation which must withstand the buffeting of wind and rain in stormy weather. All of us meet storms of one kind or another in our daily lives. Whether or not we can withstand them depends upon the kind of foundation which undergirds our lives. This first Sunday of the New Year is a good time to reflect on the kind of foundation on which our lives are built and whether or not it is strong enough to endure any kind of trial which may come during this year. (3148)
Barking at Nothing (90/01/08)
There is an expression in Japanese about one dog barking at nothing and, as a result, ten thousand dogs will spread it as truth, ikken kyo o hoyureba, banken jitsu o tsutau. The meaning is that a lie or false rumor spoken by one person will soon be spread by many others as though it were true. In English, we may say that false rumors spread like wildfire. A wildfire is a destructive fire that travels rapidly. In the 3rd chapter of the New Testament book of James, the tongue is compared to a tiny fire that can ignite and destroy a large forest. We should control our tongues and be careful what we say so that we do not spread false rumors or harmful gossip. According to Jesus' words in Matthew 12:36, on the future Day of Judgment, we must give account for every useless word we have ever spoken. (3149)
Janus (90/01/09)
As you know, in English, this first month of the year is called January. This name is derived from the name of the Roman god, Janus. In Roman religion, Janus was the god of beginnings--both in a spatial sense and in a temporal sense. As the god of spatial beginnings, he presided over gates and doors of houses and other buildings. As the god of temporal beginnings, he presided over the first hour of the day, the first day of the month and the first month of the year. His chief festival was celebrated on the first day of a new year when rams were sacrificed to him. The god Janus was represented by a head with two bearded faces facing in opposite directions. This was to symbolize his ability to look at the past and the future, to view both the outside and the inside at the same time. From this representation comes the English expression, "Janus-faced", which means two-faced, hypocritical, or deceitful. Jesus criticized the religious leaders of his day because of their hypocrisy and in the 3rd chapter of the New Testament book of James, criticism is directed toward those Christians who speak words of praise to God and yet curse other human beings who were made in God's likeness. Such people also may be called "Janus-faced". (135a)
League of Nations (90/01/10)
One meaning of "league" is a unit of distance equal to about 4.83 kilometers. Another meaning is an association of sports teams that compete with each other, such as the Central and Pacific Leagues in Japanese professional baseball. An association of countries for a common purpose may also be called a league. 69 years ago today, on January 10, 1920, following the First World War, the League of Nations was founded. Its purpose was to maintain peace, arbitrate international disputes and promote international cooperation. It was the forerunner of the present United Nations which was founded following the Second World War. Although neither the United States nor the Soviet Union became members of the League of Nations, it did serve to settle certain international disputes and to encourage international cooperation. Its influence began to decline when Japan arbitrarily occupied Manchuria and withdrew its membership. It is important for countries as well as individuals to work together and to consider the interests of others as well as their own. On Sunday afternoon, January 28th, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages at the Nagoya Kyôikukan near Sakae. Mark it in your schedule and plan to join us there.(3150)
Albania (90/01/11)
Japanese often remark that their country is small. Of course, it is small compared to certain large countries, but it is also a big country compared to those much smaller. It is thirteen times larger than the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, which today is celebrating its becoming a republic on January 11, 1946. While the winds of change are blowing through eastern Europe, Albania, which is located between Yugoslavia and Greece on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, remains an isolated outpost of outmoded thinking. Since Communist guerrillas seized power near the end of World War II, it has been under the control of an inflexible government which forcibly closed all churches and mosques and proclaimed itself "the first atheist state in the world". When the Soviet Union moved away from the oppressive policies of Stalinism, Albania objected, severed its relationship with that country and continued its hardheaded and hardhearted course of action. At that time, it received support from Communist China, but it has since broken its ties with that country as well. Individuals and nations that try to isolate themselves from others, and even from God, in order to protect their ideological purity end up both poorer and perverted.(3151)
Colors (90/01/12)
How drab this world would be if there were no color or if all things were different shades of the same color. Psychologists inform us that colors affect our mental outlook and excite or soothe our emotions. Nowadays, it is not only artists and fashionable women that are interested in beautiful or impressive combinations of colors. Businessmen also see colors as a possible help or hindrance to their business and there is now a new type of business known as the color business. In these new color studios, professional colorists or color coordinators advise women how to choose outfits to match their skin coloring and male politicians about appropriate colors that will appeal to their constituents. Owners of convenience stores, resorts and sightseeing buses come for advice on how to make their buildings or vehicles more attractive. In new shopping areas, not only the colors of the individual shops but how they harmonize with others around them must be taken into consideration. People or expressions that are vivid, interesting or distinctive may be described as colorful while that which is plain, ordinary or dull may be called colorless. We did not choose the color of our skin, but the "color" of our thinking is the result of our education, experience and faith. (3152)
Israel and Jordan (90/01/13)
One of the most complicated of international problems concerns the relationship between Israel and its Arab residents and neighbors. When our family visited the mideast many years ago, the city of Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan. There were no formal relations between these two countries and, officially, tourists from an Arab country were not allowed to enter Israel, so we had to have separate plane tickets from Japan to Jordan and then from Israel to Germany and on to the United States. While touring the part of the Holy Land located in Jordan, we stayed at the YMCA in the Arab section of Jerusalem. When the time came for us to cross into Israel, a couple of YMCA employees helped carry our nine pieces of luggage to the border, but no one from the Jordan side or the Israel side could help us across the "no man's land" between these two states. We felt almost like lonely refugees as we carried our belongings the twenty or thirty meters to the other side. It happened to be a Saturday, the Jewish sabbath when businesses are closed, but we were able to find a taxi although the fare was higher than on a regular day. It is too bad when neighbors are hostile to each other. Both the Old and New Testaments teach that we should love our neighbor as we love ourself. (3153)
People of the Light (90/01/14)
We are now in that season of the year called kan, meaning "cold", in the Japanese almanac. This season includes the shorter seasons of the "little cold" and the "big cold". It is usually cold at this time of year, but it is encouraging that, day by day, the days are getting longer--the daily period of light is lengthening. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is called "the Light of the world" and those who believe in and follow him are likewise called "the light of the world". In the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verse 36, Jesus told his disciples to believe in the light so that they themselves would become people of the light. And in his Letter to the Romans, chapter 13, verses 12-13, the Apostle Paul wrote that "The night is almost over, day is almost here", so we should "stop doing those things that belong to the dark" and "conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day". In this season of the year, as the nighttime is getting shorter and daytime is getting longer, Christians should remember their mission to share the light of truth and love they have received from God through Christ to those around them. By doing so, even this cold season of the year will become warmer. (3154)
Oaks from Acorns (90/01/15)
On this holiday celebrating the "coming of age" of those Japanese young people who ended their teenage period last year, what proverb is appropriate to encourage them? One that comes to my mind is the saying that "Great oaks from little acorns grow". Even as the huge oak tree was once a little acorn, so any great man or woman had a simple beginning as a child and then a teenager. In Japanese there is a saying that Hotoke mo mukashi wa bonpu nari. One need not be ashamed of one's humble beginnings. In fact, the eyes of young people in particular, should be looking ahead with expectation to the future and not looking back at the past. I remember a satirical poem I learned in my youth: "Don't worry if your job is small and your rewards are few. Remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you."(3155)
Yabu-iri (90/01/16)
In the old days, this 16th day of the 1st month and the 16th day of the 7th month were looked forward to by the young servants, maids and apprentices who had left their homes in the country to work in the city. These were the two days in the year when they were given a holiday and they could return to their homes. These days were given the interesting name of "entering the thicket", yabu-iri, which implies that even in the old days there was more greenery in the country than in the city. This custom seems to have been imported from China, where it was also the day to visit Buddhist temples, and temples related to Emma in particular. When Westerners hear this name, we usually think of a woman. Emma was the name of an early queen of England and many women of English, German or Scandinavian lineage have borne that name. In Buddhist thought, however, Emma is the fearful ruler of hell, whose glaring eyes have incited fear in the hearts of many children. It has been suggested that on this holiday for servants, even the King of Hell takes a vacation, but there is an English saying that "there is no rest for the wicked". If you wish to receive a written copy of next week's telephone messages, write to "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3156)
Snuff Taking (90/01/17)
One of the bad habits that originated in the western hemisphere and then spread around the world is the use of tobacco. First used by the native inhabitants of the American continents, it was introduced to Europe and then to Asia following the voyage of Columbus. Tobacco is commonly smoked in pipes, cigars and cigarettes, but it may also be chewed or snuffed. Snuff is finely cut tobacco which is inhaled or snuffed into the nostrils. In the 18th century snuff taking was practiced by both men and women in high class society. At that time, snuff was carried in richly ornamented snuffboxes and a ritual of taking snuff developed, including a prescribed way of tapping and opening the box and offering it to others. An estimated 16 million Americans now use this "smokeless tobacco", putting a pinch of it in their mouths between the cheek and gum. The nicotine is then absorbed into the bloodstream. But because snuff taking can cause mouth cancers, sales of snuff in Britain will be banned beginning in March. An American psychologist has written that an increase in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco are considered signs of civilization, but since both "alcohol and tobacco are recognizably poisons ... their consumption has only to be carried far enough to destroy civilization altogether".(3157)
Testing Hair (90/01/18)
One of the popular soft drinks throughout the world is Coca-Cola. The original ingredients of this beverage were derived from coca leaves and cola nuts. The common nickname of this drink is "Coke", which has also become its registered trademark. "Coke" is also a slang term used for the narcotic drug, cocaine, which is extracted from coca leaves. This kind of "coke" is being used illegally by many people these days as a stimulant. Until now, the common way to test whether or not a person has been using cocaine has been to analyze a sample of the person's urine to see if there are traces of that drug in the body. However, this test only shows whether the drug has been used within the previous few days. Scientists have discovered that testing a person's hair is a more reliable method. If there is cocaine in the system, it grows into the hair and will remain there even after it disappears from the blood. Thus, examining the hair will show if cocaine has been used for months previously. Most people would not consider a single strand of hair important, but now we find that even a hair fiber has a story to tell. To emphasize the infinite knowledge of God and his deep concern for every individual human being, Jesus taught, in Matthew 10:30, that "even the hairs of your head have all been counted."(3158)
James Watt (90/01/19)
When you buy an electric light bulb or some other electric appliance, it will indicate the number of watts required for its use. A watt, spelled w-a-t-t is a unit of electric power. The word is derived from the surname of a Scotsman, James Watt, who was born 254 years ago today, on January 19, 1736. While working at the University of Glasgow as an instrument maker, Watt was asked to repair a model of a steam engine. In the process, he developed a completely new type of engine which was much more practical. His steam engine was patented in 1769 and contributed much to the ongoing industrial revolution. It was this same James Watt who coined the word "horsepower", which is another unit of power equal to 745.7 watts. From his childhood, Watt had a probing mind. One evening at the tea-table, his aunt scolded him for being so idle. "Take a book or employ yourself usefully," she said. "For the past half hour, you have spoken no word, but taken off the lid of that kettle and put it on again, holding now a cup and now a silver spoon over the steam while it rises from the spout and counting the drops of water." So it is that adults may, unwittingly, stifle the active, inventive interest of children. (3159)
Saturday Jogging (90/01/20)
Last month, I celebrated my 62nd birthday. I was happy that my two sons, their wives and children were here to help celebrate both my birthday and Christmas. We missed my daughter who is teaching in a university in Thailand, where neither Christmas nor the New Year's Day of the Gregorian calendar is celebrated. Since my birthday was on a Saturday, I followed my usual Saturday morning custom of jogging to the post office, over three kilometers away, to pick up mail from our post office box. On other days, I go there by bicycle but on Saturdays, I try to jog there and back. On the way back up the hill to our house, I sometimes question whether that exercise is going to keep me young longer or make me old quicker. I have quite different feelings about traffic lights when I'm jogging than when I'm driving a car. In a car, I'm disappointed when I see the light is red and must stop and wait for it to turn green. When jogging, however, I have the completely opposite feeling, for I am happy to take a legitimate break for a few seconds. Recent research by American doctors indicates that even moderate exercise serves to prolong one's life. One need not be an athlete or engage in vigorous exercise regularly to gain obvious benefits. Even a daily, brisk walk of half-an-hour will help to lengthen one's life, they say. (3160)
Cataclysmic Events (90/01/21)
The English word "cataclysm" spelled c-a-t-a-c-l-y-s-m, comes from a Greek word meaning to wash down. It is used in the New Testament to signify the flood that occurred in the days of Noah. Any great upheaval that causes sudden and violent changes may be called a cataclysm. Although usually used for natural phenomena such as earthquakes, it may also be used in a figurative sense of historical events. The events which have been occurring recently in Eastern Europe may be called cataclysmic. At such a time of momentous changes in the world, there arise anxieties and fears on the part of many people. Will events get out of control? Is there some providential purpose discernible in such events? The Bible teaches that there is meaning in all events of life. It teaches that a powerful, just and loving God is not only the Creator of all things but also the Ruler of history. People with faith in God agree with the words of the 46th Psalm, that "God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken with violence" because the Almighty God is still in control. (3161)
A Stitch in Time (90/01/22)
Since Japan has become so affluent, many people discard clothes when they become torn rather than mending them, but in the old days, housewives and mothers would get out needles and thread to mend torn clothing so it could be used longer. They would readily understand the meaning of the English proverb, "A stitch in time saves nine" for by repairing a small tear immediately, they could avoid repairing a larger tear later on. You may be acquainted with the similar Japanese saying, Kyô no hito hari, asu no to-hari. Even though the mending of clothes is not so common these days, the proverb is still relevant for prompt action at an early stage of any problem may prevent serious trouble in the future. In our personal lives or in society at large also, it is better to stamp out a small spark of evil than to wait until it becomes a blazing fire beyond our control. (3162)
Keeping Healthy (90/01/23)
Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan, located two blocks north of the Mitsukoshi Department Store at Sakae. The theme for the meeting is: "Keeping Healthy". The life style of people in modern, industrialized societies is very different from that of their ancestors. We get less exercise, spend less time out-of-doors, eat different food and wear different clothes. Modern medical science has provided much information about how to improve our health in order to avoid illness and live longer. Diet and physical activity along with mental and spiritual invigoration are all related to good health. What are your ideas about keeping healthy? Do you follow certain practices to maintain your health? What influence do you think mental attitudes or faith have upon physical wellbeing? We will be happy to hear your thoughts at the meeting. If each one speaks for less than three minutes, all should have time to say something while we enjoy refreshments prepared by my wife. All listeners are invited to write down their ideas on this theme in a short essay that I will correct for publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3163)
People over 60 (90/01/24)
We frequently read the results of surveys conducted among certain people on certain subjects. Of course, the extent of the survey and the kind of people surveyed must be kept in mind when we analyze the results. Recently, the American magazine, Parade, conducted a survey among 857 people in the United States over the age of 60. The results showed that 73% believed in life after death and 56% replied that they did not fear death or dying. 89% said they did not want to be kept alive by artificial means if they were beyond medical help. 66% of the couples questioned said they were satisfied with their spouses, but more men (77%) were satisfied than women (55%). What especially interested me was the response to the question of what is considered "very important" in their lives. Highest priority was given to "friendship", indicated by 67%. 58% said it was "very important" to be able to drive. And, in third place, religion was listed as "very important" by 55%. From my point of view, having a healthy, meaningful faith is more important than "religion", but I wonder how these percentages would compare with the response to similar questions by senior citizens in Japan. (3164)
Morning Sun Newspaper (90/01/25)
At times, I have joined others in Japan for the special event called goraikô, viewing the rising sun from the top of a mountain. For many Japanese viewers, sometimes called worshippers, this occasion has a deep significance. In Japanese tradition, the sun, especially the rising sun or the morning sun, has particular importance. The large red dot in the center of the Japanese flag symbolizes the sun and the country itself is known as the Land of the Rising Sun. A hundred and ten years ago today, on January 25, 1879, the first issue of a new newspaper was published in Osaka with the name of "Morning Sun Newspaper". This Asahi Shinbun has now become one of the most highly-respected newspapers in the land. Every day, the morning sun's rays bring new hope and expectation to the person with a healthy faith. In Psalm 113:3, the poet wrote: "From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised". My wife and I hope that many listeners to these telephone messages will join us at the "Daily Word" listeners meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan at Sakae. We will be thinking and talking about "Keeping Healthy" and we'd like to hear your comments on this theme also. (3165)
Australia (90/01/26)
Homonyms are words having the same pronunciation and often the same spelling but completely different meanings. "Continent" is a homonym. As an adjective, this word means exercising self-restraint or moderation. As a noun, it signifies one of the principal land masses of the earth. The smallest of the world's seven continents is Australia, the only continent that includes only one country. Its name comes from the Latin word for "southern". Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships had sighted this southern continent and some ships had landed there before Captain James Cook claimed the continent for Great Britain in 1770. On January 26, 1788, the first European settlement was established, so today is a holiday in Australia called Foundation Day, or Australia Day. Many of those first settlers were convicts or soldiers and for most of the next century, Australia was a penal colony of Great Britain. How times have changed! Now Australia has become a popular destination for Japanese newly-weds. A meeting of "Daily Word" listeners will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan at Sakae. We will be talking about "Keeping Healthy". The current issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will be on sale and my wife will serve some homemade refreshments. Please come if you can. (3166)
Steamer/Streamers (90/01/27)
A steamship may also be called a steamer, but a "streamer" is a long, narrow strip of material. Paper streamers are sometimes thrown to passengers on steamers from friends standing on the pier. The departing passenger holds on to one end while the dockside friend lets the streamer unroll, little by little, as the ship moves away from the pier. Finally, the streamer breaks or completely unrolls as the distance between ship and shore increases. In June, 1970, my wife and I and our three children boarded a Soviet steamer in Osaka at the beginning of a six-week trip to the United States, taking the long way through many different countries. As the steamer was ready to depart, many colorful streamers were thrown to passengers from the pier. Although no one had come to see us off, a man kindly threw a streamer to us. There was a light rain and a strong breeze as the steamer began to move and many streamers broke quite quickly. Ours was one of the last to break and I felt sorry for the kind man who did not know us but who had to remain in the rain until the streamer finally broke. It reminded us of the many kindnesses we had received from many unknown people in this land. Tomorrow afternoon beginning at 1:30, a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners will be held at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan at Sakae and you are invited to attend. (3167)
Sowing/Harvesting (90/01/28)
A seed is a mysterious thing which contains potential life. When planted in the ground, new life begins. Seeds may be considered symbols of hope and expectation. Because there were many common peasants in the crowds that gathered to hear Jesus teach, he told many parables, or meaningful stories, that were related to seeds. In the Old Testament also there are sayings related to sowing and harvesting seed. One of them is found in the 126th Psalm. There it is written that people who sow seeds with a sorrowful heart will reap with songs of joy. This is a confession of the psalmist's faith. Despite the problems and difficulties he experienced at the time he wrote the psalm, he believed that the future was bright because the seeds that were sown would bring forth a harvest. This faith in the vitality and goodness of nature and in the power of God continues to encourage despondent people today. The day may look dark and dreary but faith in a powerful, wise and loving God inspires us with hope for the future. With the eyes of faith, the believer always sees a silver lining around a cloud and a light at the end of the tunnel. (3168)
From Bad to Worse (90/01/29)
Do you know the Japanese saying about the person fleeing from the tiger's jaws and entering into the dragon's lair, Kokô o nogarete, ryûketsuni iru. It is used when a situation goes from bad to worse. In English, we have an expression with a similar meaning: "To leap from the frying pan into the fire". Sometimes a fish may save itself by flopping or leaping from a fisherman's boat back into the lake or ocean. But if a fish which is already in the frying pan tries to save itself by leaping over the side, it will meet even a worse fate by falling into the fire. So it is that our attempts to save ourselves sometimes backfire and we find ourselves worse off than before. A saying similar to the Japanese proverb is found in the Old Testament book of Amos, chapter 5, verse 19, where there is an illustration of "a man who runs from a lion and meets a bear." (3169)
Mochi,Toso (90/01/02)
Resolutions (90/01/03)
Myanmar (90/01/04)
Twelfth Night (90/01/05)
Nishi Kara Kita Hakase (90/01/06)
Firm Foundation (90/01/07)
Barking at Nothing (90/01/08)
Janus (90/01/09)
League of Nations (90/01/10)
Albania (90/01/11)
Colors (90/01/12)
Israel and Jordan (90/01/13)
People of the Light (90/01/14)
Oaks from Acorns (90/01/15)
Yabu-iri (90/01/16)
Snuff Taking (90/01/17)
Testing Hair (90/01/18)
James Watt (90/01/19)
Saturday Jogging (90/01/20)
Cataclysmic Events (90/01/21)
A Stitch in Time (90/01/22)
Keeping Healthy (90/01/23)
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